Step 2: Set the spacer aside In the box with your SSD is a spacer (it looks like a black bracket). Set it aside for now – it won’t come into play until later in the process, and based on your system, you
may not even need it.

Step 3: Back up important files Before starting the install process, save any important files on your computer to a USB flash drive or external storage drive.

Step 4: Go slowly and deliberately The information you need is all here. Your system will likely look different than the ones shown, but the process is the same. Read each step thoroughly and consult our Helpful Tips for more info.
Next

The longest part of the SSD install process is copying everything from your old drive to your new SSD. Before you start, get a sense of how long this’ll take by referring to our chart below.

Amount of data on old hard drive

Time it may take to copy to new SSD

Less than 256GB

20-30 minutes

256-512GB

30-60 minutes

512GB-1TB

60-90 minutes

More than 1TB

90+ minutes

Part 2: Copy

Step 1: Connect the SSD to your system Using a SATA-to-USB cable, attach one side to the SSD and the other end to your co. The drive must be connected to proceed with the Acronis software installation and cloning process. When handling your SSD, try not to touch its gold connector pins with your fingers.

Step 2: Download the software that copies your old drive to your new SSD This comes free with Crucial SSDs. On the computer the SSD is connected to, go to www.crucial.com/clone to download the software.

Step 3: Install the software you downloaded Open the file you downloaded and accept all of the prompts. A screen will then pop up. Click Install. Once installation is complete, start the
application.

Step 4: Prepare to copy (clone) your data You’ll now see several options in the software. Select the Clone Disk option. You’ll then be asked to select a clone mode. If you’ve never done this
before, we recommend the Automatic method, then click the Next button.

Step 6: Playing the waiting game Depending on your system, it will likely take a while for everything to copy and the software may cause your computer to shut down or restart, which is OK. While you wait,
relax and enjoy a beverage of your choice!

If your old storage drive is 128GB (for example) and you copy its contents to a 256GB SSD, the SSD may show up in your system as a 128GB drive, even though it’s actually the size that you bought. No need to fear – you can still store
more on it, but you’ll need to make some adjustments to the drive’s settings. This doesn’t usually happen, but if it does, we want to let you know that it’s OK and that it’s based on your system, not you.

Millions of people have used this software to copy data, from everyday home users with passwords and precious home photos to corporate users who have lots of proprietary information. The security and privacy of your data is important
to us, and we don’t compromise that. Copying is a safe, secure process.

Part 3: Install

Step 1: Shut down your system Once it’s off, unplug the SATA-to-USB cable from your system and remove the cable from your SSD.

Step 2: Remove the power cable and battery Now that the SSD is unattached from your system, remove the power cable and battery (laptops only). To see how to remove the battery, refer to your owner’s manual.

Step 3: Hold the power button for 5 seconds This removes any electricity still in the system.

Step 4: Open the case How you do this will vary from system to system, so consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions.

Step 6: Locate the storage bay This is easy to find in desktops, but in laptops the location will vary – it’s typically under the bottom panel, under the keyboard, or on the side. Refer to your owner’s manual
for the exact location, as every system looks slightly different.

Step 7: Remove your old drive Remove the existing drive and disconnect any cables and brackets attached to it. Look closely at the drive for screws that might be holding something to it, as most brackets are
often small and look like supporting frames.

Step 8: Reattach cables and brackets to SSD Once reattached, plug the SSD into your system. Don’t worry if the label faces up or down, as this varies by system. When plugging in the SSD, don’t force the connection
– it should go in easily and fit snug. If it feels wobbly, refer to our Helpful Tip below.

When you first slot your SSD into the storage drive bay, it might not fit securely. If this occurs, here’s what to do based on the type of system you’re installing into.

For laptops, Look closely at the old storage drive you removed for any brackets, adapters, support frames, braces, pull tabs, or screws that might be attached to it. If anything is attached to the old drive,
remove it and put it on the SSD in the same manner. Now reinsert the SSD into the storage bay. If it still doesn’t fit snug, use the spacer you set aside earlier and attach it to the SSD by peeling off the adhesive and sticking it
onto the drive as shown. Attaching the spacer allows the SSD to achieve the same level of thickness as the existing drive you removed. Note: many installations don’t require the spacer, so you may not need to use it.

For desktops, Some storage bays and existing hard drives are significantly larger than a standard size SSD. If this is the case in your system, you’ll need a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch converter to make the SSD fit snug.

If you can use a screwdriver, you can install an SSD. While the inside of your computer looks scary and foreign, there’s nothing to fear. As long as you’ve grounded yourself, you’ve eliminated most of the risk that comes with accidentally
touching components. Electricity is naturally present in the human body, but when you ground yourself, you get rid of it and make it safe to touch your system’s parts. No need to fear – you’re never in danger during the process and
the electricity in your body is natural and can’t hurt you.

Part 4: Download

Step 1: Enable Storage Executive This free software helps your SSD become even faster and allows the drive to get periodic performance updates. On the computer you installed the SSD in, go to http://eu.crucial.com/se.

Step 2: Click on one of the “download” buttons Check out our Helpful Tip below to see which version of the software you need. Download times will vary based on your internet
connection, but average 1-3 minutes.

Step 3: Open and run Storage Executive Click on the file you just downloaded. If it doesn’t open right away, double click on it, then save it to your desktop and open it from there. Follow the onscreen prompts
and instructions to install and start using the software.

Step 4: Enable Momentum Cache and make your SSD even faster In the left menu, click on Momentum Cache. Enabling this feature forces your computer to restart, which is normal. The feature doesn’t
work with RAID arrays, but if you don’t know what that means, no need to worry ;)

Download the 64-bit version of the software if you have a 64-bit operating system (most users). Download the 32-bit version if you have a 32-bit operating system. Not sure which one you have? Follow the steps in our chart below.

Operating system

How to know if you have the 32 or 64-bit version

Windows® 10

In the Start menu, type This PC into the Windows search bar, but don’t hit enter. Right click on the This PC option that displays, then select Properties and your type of operating system will be displayed onscreen.

Windows® 8

Move your mouse to the upper right side of the screen and click on the search tool that appears. Type Computer into the search field, then right click on it and select Properties. Your type of
operating system will be displayed onscreen.

Windows® 7 or older

In the Start menu, right click on Computer, then select Properties and your type of operating system will be displayed onscreen.

If you see anything other than 64-bit, download the 32-bit version of the software.

Storage Executive is the easy way to manage your SSD. You can use it to see how much data is on your drive, monitor its temperature, allow encryption, and enable the Momentum Cache feature, which makes many SSD operations up to 10x faster.

Congratulations!

Now that you’re an expert installer, watch out! Your friends and family might just start asking you to do their installs ;)